Abstract
In addition to their well-established role in allergy mast cells have been described as contributing to functional regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses in host defense. Mast cells are of hematopoietic origin but typically complete their differentiation in tissues where they express immune regulatory functions by releasing diverse mediators and cytokines. Mast cells are abundant at mucosal tissues which are portals of entry for common infectious agents in addition to allergens. Here, we review the current understanding of the participation of mast cells in defense against infection. We also discuss possibilities of exploiting mast cell activation to provide adequate adjuvant activity that is needed in high-quality vaccination against infectious diseases.
Highlights
Mast cells are considered critical effector cells in allergy by virtue of their potential to secrete a variety of allergic mediators
In terms of correla tion to their murine counterparts, MCT are found mainly in mucosal tissues, resembling mouse mucosal mast cells (MMC), while MCTC, which reside in such sites as the skin and small intestinal submucosa, are more closely related to mouse connective tissue mast cells (CTMC)[14], the tissue localization is less stringent for human “CTMC” and “MMC”
Stem cell factor (SCF) is needed for the survival of both types, whereas IL-4 is indispensable for MCTC, but not for MCT[15]
Summary
Yu Fang1, Zou Xiang2, 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Mucosal Immunobiology and Vaccine Research Center, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden.
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